NY Fireman Credits Veganism for Helping Him Save Lives

Firefighter Kevin Duffy also completed the Ironman triathlon one hour faster after adopting a plant-based diet.

In a recent interview with the New York Times, New York-based firefighter Kevin Duffy revealed that his vegan lifestyle increases his ability to save lives on the job. “We get off the rig, we go in, and the whole bedroom’s on fire,” Duffy—who has been vegan for three years—recounted a recent experience. “We were inside for 30 minutes. Some of the guys had gone through their air. This one kid was down to 15 percent and I still had 65 percent.” Duffy also participates in extreme athletic competitions such as the Ironman triathlon which is comprised of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride, and a 26.22-mile run, completed back-to-back without a break. In 2014, Duffy completed his first Ironman in 11 hours and 45 minutes and in 2015—after adopting a plant-based diet—decreased his completion time by one hour. “I had gotten faster and used to the sport,” Duffy said. “But I’d say 45 minutes of that was my diet.” While Duffy said that his colleagues often tease him about abstaining from animal products, he revealed that he inspired several fellow firefighters (and his mother) to adopt a plant-based diet.